The Woodson doctrine (from Woodson v. Rowland, 407 S.E.2d 222) is a narrow exception to workers’ compensation exclusive remedy in North Carolina. If a staffing agency or client engages in conduct substantially certain to cause injury, the injured worker can sue in tort in addition to collecting workers’ comp benefits. This makes EPLI and umbrella coverage particularly important for North Carolina staffing agencies — the exclusive-remedy shield is not absolute.
Agencies with strong safety training and site-inspection documentation are less exposed to Woodson claims. See our North Carolina staffing guide for coverage recommendations, or call (877) 418-2484.
